Tag: 3d mammography

Educational, inspirational and hopeful are three words to describe the “Fall into Health” event at the Arcade VFW on October 19.

Representatives from Bertrand Chaffee Hospital joined Arcade residents and a nurse from the Livingston & Wyoming County Cancer Services program for an evening highlighting the importance of health screenings and the strength of women who have fought and who are fighting cancer.

Rural healthcare was also featured, with ideas about access and services being discussed, particularly around 3D Mammography and support for chronic conditions.

One incredible fact: when combining the number of years of experience in healthcare among the speakers, which included CFO Teresa Donohue, Imaging Manager Lisa Smith, Board and Foundation Board Member Claudia Miller, Patient and Family Services Manager Renna Thaine, RN, and others, the total was well over 100 years.

Thank you to this amazing group for sharing their stories, demonstrating their resilience, and caring about their community in such a positive and inspirational way.

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital had a fantastic turnout for its Ribbon Cutting event on October 6 for 3D Mammography!

Special thanks to our board members and foundation board members who were in attendance!

We welcomed Assemblyman David DiPietro, Erie County, NY Legislator John Mills, Cattaraugus County Legislator Richard Helmich, Town of Concord Supervisor and BCH Board Chair Gary Eppolito, Town of Ashford Supervisor Charles Davis, Village of Springville Mayor William Krebs, and representatives from NYS Senator Patrick Gallivan’s office.

Radiologist Anne Ehrlich, MD educated the many guests about the advantages of digital tomosynthesis and how thrilling it was to have this and other new technologies available at BCH.

This was the first of several events we will have to mark projects funded through the New York State Department of Health and its Statewide Healthcare Facility Transformation Program.

Thank you also to the Springville Area Chamber of Commerce, BCH and JBR staff who wore pink today, and our many friends in the community who inspire us to keep healthcare local! And also, the Cancer Services Program of Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties, which sent material and flyers to promote their important public health work.

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital has announced that it has added 3D mammography, also called digital tomosynthesis, to services provided in its Imaging Department.

“The actual ‘3-D’ part of the mammography is a software upgrade,” said Lisa Smith, Imaging Department Manager. “There was an intensive period where the software was installed and tested and our staff received training on the new protocol.”

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital converted to a digital mammography system in 2012, with significant support from community donations and a grant from the Springville-Griffith Community Education Foundation.

“We are glad to have been able to have this in place in time for October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” said CEO Nils Gunnersen. “It’s a natural time to remind women to make sure they are getting mammograms on a schedule recommended to them by their healthcare provider.”

Digital mammography involves a two-dimensional image that is reviewed by a radiologist for masses or signs of unusual growths. With 3D mammography, a series of images are taken to create a three-dimensional picture that has more detail and definition.

“Our investment in digital mammography was a significant one, and we made it with the knowledge that we would be able to convert to 3D imaging in the future,” said Teresa Donohue, CFO. “This continues our work to keep up with the latest technologies that we see a need in the community for.”

The funding for this project came from the New York State Statewide Healthcare Facility Transformation Program. BCH will use the $11.3 million award for 3D mammography, an upgraded nuclear medicine camera, a permanent MRI machine and a new structure for primary care and specialist services.

3D mammography appointments are available weekdays from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and extended hours from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital and Tri-County Kiwanis of WNY are coordinating a “Fall into Health” event on Thursday, October 19 from 6-8 p.m. at the Arcade VFW Hall, 550 West Main Street in Arcade.

This evening has a goal of highlighting National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and women’s health. Health and wellness resources, including information about Bertrand Chaffee Hospital’s new 3D mammography service, will be featured.

Refreshments and light fare are provided at this free event, but registrations are required as seating is limited. Attendees will receive goodie bags, and we plan to include a special recognition for breast cancer survivors as part of the evening.